Print Technology - Technical Diploma

Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)

Develop basic knowledge and skills using Adobe Illustrator, apply vector graphic strategies into graphic design medias and integration into other software packages. Course content covers creating basic shapes, drawing, transforming elements, working with type, blending, layers and special effects.

Develop skills and knowledge associated with the printing industry, work hands-on with digital printing equipment to output projects. Course content covers identifying different print methods, typical print workflow, transitioning designs to printed media as well as begin to develop production-planning criteria. (Corequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals; 10-890-101, College 101)

Photoshop is the essential tool for digital image manipulation in graphic design, web design, and photography. Students develop technical skills in solving visual design and production problems. Instruction covers Photoshop’s vast array of tools, filters, and procedures including workspace basics, image resizing, output preparation, layer management, selection strategies, editing and adjustment basics, composites, filters, and effects. A portfolio of digitally generated and manipulated images is completed to demonstrate course competencies and learning objectives have been met.

All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).

Develop skills in digital composition and layout using industry software. Course content covers appropriate software selection, graphic and text content management, color specifications, file preparation, and software solutions to graphic communication problems. (Prerequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals; 10-111-101, Photoshop Fundamentals)

This course provides an immersive, hands-on exploration of the wide-format print industry, transitioning from digital design to physical large-scale production. Students master the end-to-end workflow, including advanced file pre-flighting, technical hardware maintenance, and the operation of industry-standard inkjet printers and vinyl plotters. Curriculum highlights include the systematic application of pressure-sensitive materials—progressing from flat surfaces to complex contours—and the "business of print," covering shop burden rates, profit-margin estimation, and wholesale vs. retail pricing strategies. (Prerequisite: 10-204-110, Digital Print Fundamentals)

Learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 250; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

In this course learners will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of layout as it pertains to specialty printing. Using a variety of digital output equipment and software, learners will develop and apply custom skills for advanced digital print output. These will include die-cutting, gloss/emboss, variable data, and specialty substrates. Learners will also develop problem-solving skills while collaboratively as a group as well as individually to complete a print solution. (Pre-Requisite: Digital Print Fundamentals 10-204-110, Co-Requisite: Layout & Composition 10-111-125)

This course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge skills process and understanding of managing color in a digital workflow. Application of device independent color modes will be utilized to create descriptors of color other than CMYK or RGB. Emphasis will be on creating and applying ICC profiles to achieve predictable and repeatable color. Learners will utilize hands-on activities with output and measurement equipment to accurately profile output and display devices. (Prerequisite: 10-204-110, Digital Print Fundamentals)